Beyond the PhD: 5 Essential Tips to Plan your Academic Career
During the first few weeks of starting my doctorate degree, I was told during a training session that only 11 percent of PhD students go on to secure a permanent role in academia. This number, I presumed, would be even lower for women of color, who face a host of unique barriers and challenges.
According to a report by the University and College Union, women make up less than 20 percent of the professoriate. This number is significantly lower when we consider BME academic staff who only make up 7.3 percent of professorial roles. The disparities and inequalities also show up in the way marginalized folks get paid in higher education. The UCU reports that on average, female professors earn 6.3 percent less than their male counterparts, and Black professors earn 9.4 percent less than their white colleagues.
While these numbers are helpful in painting the picture for us, they really only scratch the surface. We know that marginalized folks face a host of challenges before they even make it to this stage. And while academia loves to applaud itself for being progressive, many of us who have been in higher education know far too well that these institutions continue to be exploitative and exclusionary.
For a lot of us, despite the institutional flaws, there is value in breaking in - hopefully, as a way to shake things up a bit. Systemic barriers in our way, paired with a hyper-competitive industry means we need to think carefully and strategically. Here are my five tips to help you plan your academic career.
Illustration by Liu Liu
1 / Find your Raison d’etre
My research looks at Iranian cinema, with a focus on gender and women’s filmmaking. My work is deeply connected to my history and identity. In fact, I have met many racialized women who enter academia to ask important questions about the inequalities and injustices of our world. I used to think this weakens my research and renders it emotional or too personal. Over the years, I’ve decided to own it.
In fact, there has been a positive shift toward a better understanding of our positionality as scholars. Being able to clearly and passionately articulate your research in every application is a superpower in today’s job market. So whether you’re applying for a PhD, postdoc, or a first job, you want to ask yourself the following questions:
Why is my research important?
What are the larger implications of this research?
Why is it important that I conduct this research?
As cliche as this may sound, you got to believe that your voice, your research, and your contribution matter. You want to write every application with that kind of conviction.
2 / Plan Ahead
Academia is highly competitive. There is no such thing as ‘winging it.’ You must plan ahead, and know exactly what the next steps in your career trajectory are. I started thinking about postdocs in my first year of the PhD. Writing a research proposal is time-consuming, and often requires many iterations. And of course, who is to say you’ll get in the first time you try? Here are some tips that can help you plan ahead:
Think about the various criteria and build them over your time as a PhD student. Most institutions care about research/publications, teaching, and public engagement.
Make sure you know exactly what is required of you. Get in the habit of reading job ads and looking at postdoc criteria. It’s impossible to meet requirements you’re not aware of.
Talk to folks who have gone through the process and learn from their experiences. Ask to read their research proposals (and remember to share yours too when the time comes!).
“While academia loves to applaud itself for being progressive, many of us who have been in higher education know far too well that these institutions continue to be exploitative and exclusionary.”
3 / Use your PhD years Wisely
In the UK, PhDs take about four years. While this may seem like a long time, it goes by quickly, and if you want a postdoc or a job after your degree, you’ll want to take advantage of these years. Here are some ways to maximize the PhD years:
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was that the thesis is for an examination. It’s the start of your research career, so don’t obsess over it. Make it strong, but remember when to let go.
Make a few important lists. These include the top conferences in your field, the top scholars in your area, and funding opportunities. Write down the dates so you can plan ahead.
Tell your supervisor what kind of support you require. Do you need more structure when it comes to supervision meetings? Do you need deadlines? How would you like them to engage with your work? And make sure you take notes after every meeting.
Choose your examiners wisely and strategically. Remember they’re the ones that write your reference letters. If it’s possible try to meet them beforehand at conferences or over coffee (there are too many egotistic people in academia so scope the scene if you can).
4 / Find your People
No matter what field you’re in, you want to know who your ‘people’ are. But there are different communities and groups of people you’ll need around you, especially as a woman of color.
Find the top-notch scholars in your field. Know their names, know their works. If possible, begin connecting with them and try to find ways to collaborate.
Find your mentors. Your supervisors play a significant role, but you’ll want to expand your professional relationships. As well, there will be times when you may require advice and support in navigating your supervisory relationships. A mentor can be someone who is a few years ahead in the PhD process or someone who is far more senior.
Find your allies in academia. These are people who will have your back and do what they can to carve out space for you. My career in academia is indebted to scholars who truly believed in me and the importance of my research, even when I had doubts.
Finally, get yourself a few ‘critical’ friends. People who you trust to be honest with you and can share writing at early stages with.
5 / Prioritize your Mental Health
Last, but certainly not least, taking care of your mental health and protecting yourself from burnout is massively important. Academia is hardcore, and writing and research take so much out of you. To do solid work, you need rest and boundaries. Don’t listen to anyone who says otherwise. This is especially important for those of us whose research is so closely linked to our identities and cultures. Here are some key ways you can protect yourself:
Find a supportive community. Research and writing can be very isolating. Find ways where you can be around people. Organize reading and writing groups with fellow PhD students.
Plan a schedule of work, and include holidays in your plan. Honor your holiday times just as you would your work hours.
Develop a self-care routine. Do this not in response to burnout, but in an effort to prevent it. Check out our top tips for creating your very own self-care routine.
Coming up Next
We’ve been told talking about money isn’t really polite. Truth is, there’s nothing quite as rude as the gender pay gap. In our next blog, we’re talking money, and bringing you tips on how to negotiate a better salary.